The 2007 Blanc de Blancs Julia Lee’s Block Knudsen Vineyard was sourced from the oldest parcel of Dijon clones planted in the new world. It is an elegant, racy effort with lovely white fruit, quince, brioche, and mineral flavors that dance on the palate. Enjoy this elegant bubbly over the next 4-5 years. As usual, Argyle’s sparkling wine offerings are among the best made in the USA.Tel. (503) 538-8520; www.argylewinery.com

The 2000 Blanc de Blancs Knudsen Vineyard Julia Lee’s Block offers more elegance. Notes of melon, pear, and apple lead to a crisp, precise, dry sparkling wine with a pure finish that lasts and lasts. While the focus of this report is on 2006 Pinot Noir, it is undeniable that Argyle Winery is producing among the best sparkling wines made in the USA and they cannot be ignored. Argyle is also the hangout of veteran vigneron Rollin Soles who knows as well as anyone what’s happening in the Oregon wine scene. Argyle’s Pinot Noirs have a bit more competition than the Sparkling Wines but they have been up to the challenge for quite some time.www.argylewinery.com

The 1998 Blanc de Blancs Julia Lee’s Block sports a rich nose of ripe pears. On the palate, this broad, pretty, and expressive wine is silky-textured and boasts loads of toasty apples and pears. Drink it over the next 3 years. www.argylewinery.com; tel. (888) 427-4953

Perfectly aged, creamy and round, this lovely blanc de blancs shows ripe fruits that include a touch of mango, along with fennel and other herbal notes, vanilla custard and a smooth, pleasing finish.——P.G.(12/31/2004)—— 90

This pioneering Oregon producer makes a fine, fruity, yeasty sparkling wine from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It’s crisp and lively in the mouth, with medium bubbles and a fresh, citrusy finish. ——P.G.(12/1/2000)—— 87